August 2023 Newsletter
Important Reminder:
CAC North and South are both happy to offer free parking!
CAC NORTH: There is a small, non-metered parking lot behind our building with 7 dedicated CAC parking spots in this lot. There is also metered parking on 10th, Highland, and Garfield Streets.
CAC SOUTH: Parking can be found in the multi-level parking garage with entrances off of George Mason Drive as well as Columbia Pike. Follow the signs to the area designated for Clarendon Animal Care parking. An elevator will bring you up to the retail level where you can find our entrance around the front of the building off George Mason Drive. Attached HERE is a map and guidance for within the parking structure itself.
There are signs for ParkMobile - this only applies between the hours of 11 pm and 6 am
Consent for All…It Matters!
Most of us when presented with a cute dog or cat immediately hold our arms or hand out and wait for a sniff, lick, or opportunity to pet them; or sometimes even let our excitement get the best of us and reach out to immediately pick them up. But what does the pet actually want us to do? While some dogs and cats may come right up and signal to be pet or picked up, often it is us humans making that choice for them.
But in the year 2023, consent matters for all - even your pets! Check out this article for information on what consent looks like for dogs, why it is important, and how we should be practicing, and enforcing it for those around us with our own pets. Don’t forget about the importance of consent for cats too!
There’s Hair… Hair Everywhere
We’ve all experienced it, the outfit that looks great when you put it on but by the time you step out your front door it’s coated in your pet’s fur. So what do you do? Brush them! Just as it’s important to feed your pets the right foods, offer play and enrichment, and cozy safe spaces it is also important to take care of their grooming.
But why? Well, not only does keeping your pet properly brushed and groomed decrease shedding it can also help alert you to other issues or health concerns! Check out this article for reasons brushing can be so important and tips to use during the sessions to keep you and your pet happy and as hair-free as possible!
DVM Blog Post Highlight - Feeding the Feline
In this month’s DVM Blog post, Dr. Ungerer takes a look at the feline feeding habits, tips, and tricks to keep your cat happy, healthy, and full! Most of us think of meals in the 3-a-day structure but cats in the wild actually eat 10-20 small meals a day! By simulating this kind of feeding schedule with your own indoor cat, you can help provide exercise and stave off boredom.
The amount of times you feed your cat isn’t the only thing that matters though, it is also important to add variety to how your cat is eating to keep them active and mentally stimulated. You can try some of these variations during feedings instead of always using a traditional bowl:
puzzle feeders
hiding food around the house
throwing kibble in different directions
Fear Free Tip of the Month
Even though we often wish they could, our pets can’t talk; so they are unable to verbally speak up and advocate for themselves - whether for vet care, fears/anxieties, or even just their wants/preferences - which means this falls on us as pet parents to speak and advocate for them! Check out this article for a review of ways you can be an advocate for your pet’s care and stress/anxiety during that care and the difference it can make!